Stalag 17

Stalag 17

Year: 1953

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Billy Wilder

DramaComedyWar

In a German POW camp in 1944, a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds when two prisoners attempt to escape and are brutally executed. As suspicion spreads among the remaining American airmen, one man's reputation for bartering with guards makes him the prime suspect. To clear his name and uncover the truth, Sgt. Sefton embarks on a perilous mission to root out the traitor from within their ranks.

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Timeline & Setting – Stalag 17 (1953)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Stalag 17 (1953). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

December 1944

The movie takes place during December 1944, a critical time in World War II, as Allied forces were pushing back against German defenses. The setting captures the tense atmosphere of wartime, where survival and trust are constantly challenged among the prisoners. The upcoming Christmas festivities juxtapose the dire circumstances faced by the inmates, highlighting their resilience and desperation.

Location

Stalag 17, Barracks 4

Stalag 17 is a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, notorious for its harsh conditions and strict regulations. Barracks 4, where the main characters reside, becomes a focal point for camaraderie, schemes, and underlying tensions among the captured American airmen. The camp is marked by its oppressive atmosphere and the constant threat of danger from both the guards and the conditions of captivity.

🏰 Prison 🪖 Military Camp

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:42

Main Characters – Stalag 17 (1953)
Meet the key characters of Stalag 17 (1953), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

J. J. Sefton (William Holden)

A resourceful and shrewd prisoner, Sefton is both a survivor and a skeptic, often resorting to unconventional means for comfort and morale within the camp. His interactions reveal a blend of cunning and vulnerability, as he navigates suspicion among his peers and the ever-looming threat of betrayal. Sefton's character highlights the struggle for autonomy in a dire situation.

🧠 Cunning 🤔 Skeptical

Hoffy Hoffman (Don Taylor)

Hoffy emerges as a natural leader within Barracks 4, rallying his fellow prisoners around a plan for escape. His determination and resourcefulness shine, but he also bears the weight of responsibility for the lives of others. Hoffy's character embodies hope and resilience as they face overwhelming odds in their fight for freedom.

🔑 Leader 🛡️ Protective

Clarence 'Cookie' Cook (Richard Erdman)

Cookie is Sefton's close friend and confidant, known for providing humor and a sense of camaraderie amid the hardships of camp life. His role as a narrator adds depth to the story, as he reveals the escapades and emotional struggles of their confined existence. Cookie's character highlights the importance of friendship in dire circumstances.

😂 Comedic Relief 🤝 Loyal

Frank Price (Neville Brand)

Price begins as a fellow prisoner but is ultimately revealed to be a spy, straddling the line between loyalty and betrayal. His duplicity introduces tension and conflict within Barracks 4, challenging the trust among the inmates. Price's character evolution emphasizes the theme of deception and the high stakes involved.

🔍 Deceptive ⚔️ Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:42

Major Themes – Stalag 17 (1953)
Explore the central themes of Stalag 17 (1953), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Deception

Deception runs rampant in Stalag 17, as characters grapple with motives and hidden identities. J. J. Sefton's skepticism leads him to question the loyalty of those around him, ultimately uncovering betrayal from within. The theme underscores the complexities of trust in dire situations, where appearances can be misleading and survival often requires cunning.

🎄 Hope Amidst Despair

Amidst the grim reality of imprisonment, the spirit of hope and camaraderie shines during Christmas. The prisoners engage in makeshift festivities, illustrating their need for normalcy and connection. This theme reflects the human capacity to find joy and solidarity, even when surrounded by adversity and uncertainty.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:42

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